says 'i love you' when we end our phone calls. i really appreciate it.

he also hugs me when we greet.

i really appreciate it.

b/c the world is so hard and cold it's wonderful knowing that old school Black man loves me and isn't afraid to show me. b/c i get so much abuse everywhere else i need that refuge when i'm at my parents' home. i'm glad i have it. if he w/held affection in an attempt to teach me something it would be incredibly hurtful and i wouldn't learn anything from it but i would doubt whether he actually loves me. so i'm glad he says it out of his mouth and then hugs me. plus he shows me in other ways too like actually providing for me and offering advice and all of that. but still...it's nice to have that confirmation so i have no doubt about how he feels. i wouldn't have it any other way.